December/January 2018 Program Titles Released This Week:
Hippo Campus – Bambi CD/LP (Grand Jury)
On their sophomore album Bambi, St. Paul, Minnesota-bred band Hippo Campus offer up a self-reflective set of songs that drift into much darker terrain but unfold with a frenetic yet fragile beauty that makes even the most painful moments feel glorious. Partly recorded at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio in Chicago, Bambi finds Hippo Campus working again with producer BJ Burton (Bon Iver, Low, Francis and the Lights), who handled production on their 2017 full-length debut Landmark. And in sculpting Bambi’s distinctly inventive arrangements, Hippo Campus significantly expanded their use of drum machines and synths. Throughout Bambi, Hippo Campus match their relentless self-examination with a joyfully adventurous sonic approach, ultimately transforming the emotional experience of the problems they’re exploring. On “Anxious”, urgent rhythms and untamed vocal delivery draw an unlikely power from raw vulnerability. [Indie-store exclusive pool blue colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Lone Justice – The Western Tapes, 1983 CDEP/12” (Omnivore)
Musician and producer Marvin Etzioni first saw Maria McKee and Ryan Hedgecock in a club in 1982, playing George Jones and Hank Williams covers. He convinced them they needed original material. After working and writing, Lone Justice added Dave Harrington (bass) and Don Willens (drums), the band worked up material with Etzioni and cut five of the six tracks at the famed Record Plant. An earlier session provides the sixth track. The Western Tapes, 1983 exhibits the genesis of this highly-influential band. While the original demo version of “Drugstore Cowboy” has appeared on various compilations, the remainder of the other tracks from the sessions have remained in the can. Two of the tracks appear in their earliest demo form and wound up landing on the classic 1985 debut Lone Justice, “Working Late” and “Don’t Toss Us Away” (written by Maria’s half-brother, Bryan MacLean of the classic band, Love) which would eventually become a country hit for Patty Loveless.
CDs + Vinyl:
Alien Sex Fiend – Possessed CD/2xLP (Cherry Red)
Alien Sex Fiend return with a ferocious new album. Packed with pounding rhythms, speaker- shredding guitars, squelchy synthesizers and, of course, Nik Fiend’s latest chainsaw-psychiatry outpourings, Possessed puts the Fiends back where they belong, at the top of their own rotten pile.
Ashes Of Ares – Well Of Souls CD/2xLP (Roar! Rock Of Angels)
Second album from the power metal band comprised of Iced Earth alumni Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales. [Limited turquois/black splatter colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Bauhaus – The Bela Session CD/LP (Leaving)
The Bela Session is the first official reissue of “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” on vinyl, and the first release of the complete January 26th, 1979 recording session: five tracks total, three previously unreleased. Late 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the pioneering goth rock band.
Black Oath – Behold The Abyss CD/LP (High Roller)
Black Oath was formed in 2006 by A. Th (vocals, bass, guitar) with the intention to perform obscure and dark heavy metal, inspired by the traditional masters like Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Celtic Frost and Venom. Being Italian, A. Th was also influenced by home grown acts such as Black Hole, Death SS, Paul Chain, Goblin and prog rock, too. [Limited pink colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Calexico – The Black Light [Reissue/1999] 2xCD/2xLP (Quarterstick)
An album about crossing physical and metaphorical borders that has never been timelier: Calexico’s classic album The Black Light turns 20 in 2019. This celebratory anniversary edition includes all new artwork by Victor Gastelum, extensive liner notes, and 11 bonus tracks. What was surprising about The Black Light (and what set its architects apart from their indie rock peers) was the album’s unusual willingness to wade into the rapids of American and Mexican culture, fully immersing itself midstream. From the outset, with “Gypsy’s Curse”, the record combines guitar twang and flamenco flourishes; and by its end, almost an hour later, it’s contrived a skillful and instinctive union of smoky bar room jazz, arthouse indie rock, and compelling mariachi brass in “Frontera”. [Limited clear vinyl pressing also available.]
Cattle Decapitation – Medium Rarities CD/LP (Metal Blade)
New rarities collection from the San Diego grindcore/death metal band. Featuring six previously unreleased pre-Human Jerky (1999) demos with front-man Travis Ryan on guitar (while also handling vocal duties), plus the long-sought-after To Serve Man (2002) bonus track, “Rotting Children For Remote Viewing” – in addition to other rarities (including the six songs from 2005’s split EP with Caninus) – this compilation spans the band’s 22-year long career. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Chantal Chamberland – Autobiography [Reissue/2015] CD/LP (Evolution Ltd.)
The Hamilton Music Award winner Chantal Chamberland released her best-of compilation album, Autobiography, for Christmas 2015. Her trademark smoky, sultry jazz vocal is perfectly expressed in a wonderful diversity of genres, moving from sultry and soulful to bluesy and brassy with graceful ease. Back in-print on CD and vinyl.
Chic – The Chic Organization 1977-1979 5xCD/5xLP+12” (Atlantic)
This set includes Chic’s first three albums – Chic (1978), C’est Chic (1978) and Risqué (1978) –as well as 7” and 12” edits, all newly remastered from the original Atlantic stereo tapes by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios. As executive producer, Nile Rodgers personally oversaw the remastering process with the approval of Bernard Edwards’ estate. Exclusive to the vinyl version is an exact reproduction of Chic’s first single, a 12″ promo for “Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yosah, Yosah)” that Buddah Records released in 1977 prior to the band signing to Atlantic.
City And Colour – Guide Me Back Home CD/3xLP (Dine Alone)
City And Colour, the moniker of singer-songwriter Dallas Green, is undeniably one of the biggest groundswell stories to emerge from Canada. Guide Me Back Home is a 20-track, 3LP live album recorded on a recent Canadian tour where Dallas performed solo, going back to his roots and acoustically reworking favorite songs from throughout his catalogue. The quality of the live recording is exceptional and Dallas’ vocal delivery really shines in the intimate live setting in a unique way to the original studio recordings. [Limited orange colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Baxter Dury/Etienne De Crécy/Delilah Holliday – B.E.D. CD/LP (PIAS America)
B.E.D is the new collaboration from Baxter Dury, French Dance music pioneer Etienne De Crécy and Delilah Holiday of London punks Skinny Girl Diet. Produced by De Crécy and Dury, the record was recorded in France between 2017 and the start of 2018. Dury says ”Etienne has created a musical background for my confessional narrative and Delilah has encouraged it to be something more emotional. It’s an unlikely mix that works because its short, simple and honest.”
Fat Tony – 10,000 Hours CD (Don Giovanni)
Fifth full-length by the Houston-bred rapper.
Jaco Gardner – Somnium CD (Polyvinyl)
Somnium is not necessarily representative of Jacco Gardner’s new Lisbon surroundings in an obvious sense but more a depiction and projection of his thoughts and dreams whilst spent walking the streets; which he did whilst thinking about the books he’d been reading and imagining those worlds put to sound. Jacco has been known to create swirling psychedelic pop boosted by his rich, resonate and baroque voice but on Somnium, his vocals are gone and in their place is an equally seamless melodic exploration but an instrumental one with a synthesized sci-fi edge. [Vinyl edition due November 30.]
Ill Bill – What’s Wrong With Bill? [Reissue/2004] CD/LP (Uncle Howie)
Reissue of the debut solo album from Non Phixion front man Ill Bill. Long before Ill Bill was a part of La Coka Nostra or Heavy Metal Kings he emerged with his crew Non Phixion during the ’90s indie explosion in NYC. What’s Wrong With Bill? was Bill’s first step away from Non Phixion establishing himself as a prominent solo artist.
Steve Kilbey – Sydney Rococo CD/LP (Golden Robot)
New solo album from Steve Kilbey of The Church. Sydney Rococo is a collection of songs he has written over the last five years. The songs paint a picture about life in the fast growing and evolving Australian city, famed for her beaches and landmarks. Each song is a love song, but also a tale of woe and heartache.
Laibach – The Sound Of Music CD/LP (Mute)
The genre-breaking Slovenian collective has re-recorded the soundtrack for the beloved Julie Andrews film, The Sound Of Music. In 2015, Laibach famously performed much of The Sound Of Music‘s soundtrack in Pyongyang, North Korea. Included on this album are Laibach’s industrial-leaning takes on favorites such as the musical’s title track, “Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi”. Also featured are the band’s renditions of “Arirang”, the unofficial national anthem of Korea, and “The Sound Of Gayageum”, a drum-heavy composition highlighting the traditional Korean instrument.
Harold Mabern – Iron Man: Live At Smoke CD (Smoke Sessions)
While it was captured over the course a single night, there’s a rich lifetime’s worth of music packed into The Iron Man: Live At Smoke. If it’s a slight overstatement to say that the album represents an autobiography in song, that’s only because 82-year-old jazz master Harold Mabern tells his story in every note that he plays. That’s as true of the melodies he’s been interpreting for more than half a century – as many of the tunes on The Iron Man are – as it is of the always inspired music that flows spontaneously from the great pianist’s fingers.
Marillion – Clutching At Straws [Reissue/1987] 4xCD+Blu-ray/5xLP (Rhino)
This expanded deluxe reissue features a new version of Clutching At Straws remixed in 2018 as well as a concert recording of Marillon performing in Scotland at the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 1987 during the group’s final tour of their Fish-era.
MC5 – Thunder Express CD/LP (Jungle)
MC5’s first and last studio work – six tracks recorded in France in ’72 at Studio Castle Herouville for a TV show plus four tracks from their first two singles from 1966 and 1968. [Limited edition green & red splattered vinyl LP pressing also available.]
Molly Nilsson – Twenty Twenty CD/LP (Night School)
Twenty-Twenty is Molly Nilsson’s eigth album; the latest opus of an artist in a constant state of development and strength. The album is about emerging from the husk of your old self, about binning the chrysalis and daring to stand up both to power, and also to your own limits. Here, the pop auteur is haunted by the late Prince, channeling Courtney Love and Lou Reed, anger and love.
Rita Ora – Phoenix CD (WB)
Second studio album from the British vocalist – available in regular and deluxe editions. Deluxe adds bonus tracks.
Planet B – Planet B CD/LP (Ipecac)
Planet B is Justin Pearson (Dead Cross, Retox, The Locust) and Luke Henshaw (Sonido de la Frontera). The duo’s music lays somewhere just out of reach of genre, with aesthetics rooted in hip hop, hardcore punk, turntablism, and ‘70s – ‘80s horror movie soundtracks. Guests on the album include Kool Keith (Dr. Octagon), Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Head Wound City), Gabe Serbian (The Locust, Head Wound City), Sonny Kay (Year Future, creator of GSL Records), Martin Atkins (PIL, Killing Joke), and Joseph Karam (The Locust).
Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves – Roll With You [Reissue/2008] CD (Yep Roc)
Tenth anniversary reissue of this vital, gospel-tinged mix of sweaty, up-tempo numbers and aching, lovelorn ballads that connect instantly thanks to the passion of Eli Paperboy Reed and his former band, The True Loves. [Vinyl edition due November 30.]
Sodom – Partisan CDEP/10” (Steamhammer)
Tom Angelripper ushers in the new line-up of Sodom – Husky (Asphyx, Desaster) on drums and Frank Blackfire (ex-Sodom, ex-Kreator, Frank Blackfire, Assassin) and Yorck Segatz (Beyondition) on guitars – with a three-song CDEP and colored 10″ vinyl release featuring a pair of new tracks and a live cut.
Soundtrack – True Stories, A Film By David Byrne: The Complete Soundtrack CD/LP (Nonesuch)
In conjunction with The Criterion Collection’s special-edition DVD and Blu-ray release of David Byrne’s 1986 film True Stories, Nonesuch and Todomundo Records release a comprehensive soundtrack, collected for the first time in one package and in film sequence. Includes 23 songs including one previously unreleased version of Talking Heads’ “Dream Operator”, from the film, with Annie McEnroe on lead vocals; three songs from the film that have previously been released only on the Talking Heads sets Dual Brick or Bonus Rarities & Outtakes; five songs from the companion 1986 Talking Heads studio album True Stories; and fourteen songs from the 1986 film soundtrack album Sounds From True Stories: Music For Activities Freaks performed by a wide range of artists from Kronos Quartet to Meredith Monk to Pops Staples to John Goodman.
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers – Down To Kill: Complete Live At The Speakeasy CD/LP (Jungle)
The Heartbreakers’ D.T.K (Down To Kill) is the incendiary live 1977 companion to L.A.M.F. (Like A Mother Fu). Originally released in 1982 as a ten-track album, it was remixed in 2005 and five more tracks were found on the two multi-track tapes. Now the album has the entire two sets played that night, 15 unexpurgated tracks in all.
Unearth – Extinction(s) CD/LP (Century Media)
After an awe-inspiring 20 years of blazing trails and dominating stages, Unearth is now institutionalized as a relentless force in heavy metal, standing the test of time with consistently triumphant creative output, tireless road warrior resilience, blue collar style workmanship and a resolute determination to deliver the goods on their seventh album, Extinction(s).
UT – Early Live Life CD/LP (Out)
Early Live Life is a compilation of some of UT’s best live performances from 1979 – 1985, spanning their origins in New York City to their migration to London in late 1981. UT originated from New York City’s downtown no wave scene, forming in December 1978. The inheritors of the fertile collision between rock, free jazz, and the avant-garde that first manifested itself in the Velvet Underground, Ut soon became a serious force within the New York music scene.
Various Artists – Venezuela 70 Vol.2 – Cosmic Visions Of A Latin American Earth: Venezuelan Rock In The 1970s & Beyond
Another hot-wired collection of the most forward-thinking rock music to emerge from Venezuela during the 1970s. Styles as far-flung as disco, prog, Latin jazz, psych-rock and more are all bent into innovative new shapes across these eighteen tracks.
Virgin Steele – Seven Devil’s Moonshine 5xCD (Steamhammer)
Seven Devil’s Moonshine includes five CDs (a total of 88 songs), where three CDs contain totally new songs and new versions. The package will also include a sticker and a 24-page booklet with new lyrics and photos by David DeFeis.
Jane Weaver – The Silver Globe [Reissue/2014] CD/LP (Fire)
Featuring tracks co-produced by David Holmes, guest appearances by Australian vintage space-rockers Cybotron, a recycled chunk of a Hawkwind track, an intricate Damon Gough guitar solo, some Suzanne Ciani waves and post production, plus remix flourishes by Andy Votel, The Silver Globe is a shiny beautifully polished gem. “An album that melds cult cornerstones into a lean and thrillingly addictive slice of unearthly pop,” trumpeted The Guardian.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
True Stories – [Reissue/1986] DVD/Blu-ray (Criterion)
David Byrne was inspired by tabloid headlines to make this sole foray into feature film directing, an ode to the extraordinariness of ordinary American life and a distillation of what was in his own idiosyncratic mind. Byrne plays a visitor to Virgil, Texas, who introduces us to the citizens of the town during preparations for its Celebration of Specialness. As shot by cinematographer Ed Lachman, Texas becomes a hyperrealistic late capitalist landscape of endless vistas, shopping malls, and prefab metal buildings. In True Stories, Byrne uses his songs to stitch together pop iconography, voodoo rituals, and a singular variety show all in the service of uncovering the rich mysteries that lurk under the surface of everyday experience.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
14KT – The Golden Hour [Reissue/2008] 2xLP+7” (Karat Gold Music)
The multi-genre producer, artist, emcee, and DJ’s debut – reissued on double vinyl including bonus 7” single. “This is the sort of striking project that can singlehandedly create an artist’s following.” – Okayplayer
Ace Of Cups – Ace Of Cups LP+MP3 (High Moon)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Ace Of Cups (1967-1972) may not have been the first all-women rock and roll band, but they were the one that mattered within that bizarre wrinkle in time that constituted late 1960s San Francisco. Converging from a diverse set of backgrounds in the Haight-Ashbury just before the Summer of Love, these young women would constitute an independently-driven, uniquely-inspired organization, equally capable of feather-light poetry, funkier soul and further-out freakery than most of their more celebrated male compatriots within the psychedelic ballrooms. Yet despite the avowed interest of the industry and obvious hometown support, the original Ace Of Cups never got to make a record until recently.
Airbourne – Runnin’ Wild [Reissue/2007] LP (Nettwerk)
First-time domestic vinyl pressing. There have been hell-raising rock ‘n’ roll bands over the years, but acclaimed Australian rockers Airbourne have taken the good-times, bad-boys, party-animal strut to a new level, crafting underdog-championing anthems with reckless abandon. Formed in the small town of Warrnambool on the south-western coast of Victoria, Airbourne announced their arrival with 2007’s Runnin’ Wild. Limited translucent red.
Alastor – Slave To The Grave 2xLP (Riding Easy)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Alastor hearken to the days when heavy rock was the music of the rebel, the occult adherent and lurker in the shadows, not hipster bros. Theirs is the doom sound for those who discovered it on the edge of town, in the cold rain, perhaps, as an escape from the squares who’ll never understand. Drenched in heavy, distorted darkness and steeped in occult horror that will make your skin crawl and ears cry sweet tears of blood, Slave To The Grave pulls no punches in the Swedish band’s unabashedly bleak themes.
Big L – The Big Picture (1974-1999) [Reissue/2000] LP (RBC)
Deluxe yellow colored vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket including five color print (full color plus metallic gold pantone) with spot gloss UV effects and flood matte finish. Big L was a Harlem, New York City based hip-hop MC and a member of the D.I.T.C. crew. He was shot and killed in Harlem on the night of February 15, 1999, just blocks away from his home. He was only 24 years old at the time of his death.
Blood Of The Sun – Blood’s Thicker Than Love LP (Listenable)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New release from the Texas-based hard rockers featuring drummer Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus). Drawing influences from the likes of Deep Purple, Mountain, Humble Pie, and Led Zeppelin, Blood Of The Sun has been delivering super catchy hard rock over the course of four albums, churning out upbeat ’70s radio hits with ease and conviction.
Kev Brown – Minneapolis Joints LP (KB)
Landover, Maryland’s Kev Brown continues his shockwave of new music with his fourth vinyl release of 2018. This album sees Kev Brown leaving the east coast to sample the sights and sounds in the Midwest, specifically Minneapolis, Minnesota. Aptly titled, Minneapolis Joints, it is 100% instrumental and proves to be a surprising yet adventurous direction in his ongoing series.
Lindsey Buckingham – Solo Anthology: The Best Of Lindsey Buckingham 6xLP (Rhino)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. First-ever, comprehensive solo anthology by legendary artist, guitarist, song-writer and 3x Grammy winner – available in single-disc and deluxe triple-CD editions. Buckingham is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and in addition to his prolific and loved work with Fleetwood Mac he is a widely celebrated solo artist. Solo Anthology – The Best of Lindsey Buckinghamincludes album, live and alternate versions from Law And Order, Go Insane, Out Of The Cradle and more, and also incorporates songs from his recent collaborative album with Christine McVie.
Cannibal Ox – The Cold Vein [Reissue/2001] 4xLP (iHipHop Distribution)
Limited four blue-colored vinyl LP pressing of the debut album by the hip-hop duo. Cold Vein was produced by El-P and originally released on his Definitive Jux label.
Cavetown – Dear LP (Triple Crown)
Dear is a stunning work-in-progress predecessor to Cavetown’s previous album, Lemon Boy. His indie style music appreciates an artful, compassionate, intimate, and sensitive outlook on different aspects of life. His lyrics often focus on problems including mental illnesses, social anxiety, and other unspoken trials of today’s young generation. This album’s comforting yet hauntingly honest overtones both pair well and contrast with Lemon Boy, as this mix of originals, remakes of originals, and musical masterpieces carry a very direct, nostalgic, and mature feeling to it.
Celldweller – Wish Upon A Blackstar [Reissue/2012] 2xLP (Fixt)
Celldweller’s iconic sophomore album, Wish Upon A Blackstar, has been widely recognized as a milestone release for Celldweller’s career – expanding the sound and legacy of Klayton’s creative vision. Now for the first time the album is available on limited edition 180gm white-colored double-vinyl.
Chrome Division – One Last Ride LP (Nuclear Blast America)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. The Oslo, Norway band Chrome Division is made up of Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir), Eddie Guz (The Carburetors), Kjell Aage Karlsen, Åge Trøite, and Tony White. The band’s style has been called dirty doomsday rock and roll and influenced by and compared to the likes of Black Label Society, Motörhead’, AC/DC and more.
Ry Cooder & Manuel Galbán – Mambo Sinuendo [Reissue/2003] 2xLP (Nonesuch)
Originally released in 2003, Mambo Sinuendo, the acclaimed album from Ry Cooder and former Buena Vista Social Club member Manuel Galbán, has been out of print on vinyl since its original release. The double album has been remastered and comes in a gatefold with an etching on the D side. The music of Mambo Sinuendo captures a Cuban style of music made popular by Galbán, a guitar based uplifting mixture of jazz and pop. The music has an almost retro feel recalling the “lounge” artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s with a very distinct Cuban flair and Ry Cooder’s unmistakable guitar playing.
Cramps – Bad Music For Bad People [Reissue/1984] LP (Drastic Plastic)
Bad Music For Bad People is the second compilation album of previously released material by the American garage punk band the Cramps. It was released in 1984 on I.R.S. Records and was seen by most fans as a cynical cash-in by the record label, following the departure of the band.
Dan + Shay – Dan + Shay LP (Warner Nashville)
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney – known collectively as Dan + Shay – have established themselves as one of country music’s most promising duos. With pristine vocals and a knack for writing clever yet relatable songs about looking for, finding and losing love, Dan + Shay bring a youthful sense of energy to country music.
Marie Davidson – So Right 12” (Ninja Tune)
The So Right EP includes an extended club version and a remix by John Talabot of the brand new single from Marie Davidson, “So Right”. The track is taken from her forthcoming album, Working Class Woman.
Dead Can Dance – Dionysus 2xLP+CD (PIAS America)
Indie-exclusive deluxe edition features heavyweight purple colored vinyl, CD and a 16-page 12″ x 12″ hardback picture book with padded cover. Dead Can Dance’s new album took shape as Brendan Perry became fascinated by long established spring and harvest festivals that had their origins in Dionysian religious practices throughout Europe. Dionysus brings to the fore the rites and rituals that today continue to be informed by the Greek god. The album’s seven movements, in the form of an oratorio, represent different facets of the Dionysus myth and his cult. As with the rest of the Dead Can Dance catalog, rhythms inspired by world traditions play a key role, with tracks seeming less like songs and more like fragments of a cohesive whole. Perry blends all of the album’s elements together using field recordings and chanting, including a goatherd in Switzerland, beehives from New Zealand, and bird calls from Mexico and Brazil. Perry uses this not only to invoke the album’s atmosphere and symbolic references but also to demonstrate how music can be found everywhere.
Décembre Noir – Autumn Kings LP (Lifeforce)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the melancholic-melodic death/doom metal band.
DJ Devastate – In Recollection: Dual Label Anthology (2012-2018) LP (Coalmine)
Limited purple vinyl LP pressing of a collection of tracks by the late Swedish turntablist, producer and DJ.
Simon Finn – Pass The Distance [Reissue/1970] LP (Antarctica Starts)
Few albums define a genre as succinctly as Simon Finn’s Pass The Distance does for psychedelic folk. Not even landmark recordings by Pearls Before Swine or Skip Spence can stand up to the sheer madness of Finn’s sole LP, originally released in 1970. After moving to London in 1967, Finn busked around town for a couple years before entering Camden’s Chalk Farm Studios, best known for producing a string of reggae hits. Pass The Distance, however, would become more than a solo-acoustic project. Backed by free-improvisation innovators David Toop and Paul Burwell, Finn’s dark, personal songs unravel lysergically over 40 minutes.
Flight – A Leap Through Matter LP (High Roller)
Flight’s overall sound is rooted in classic late 1970s heavy rock, with inspirations drawn from Judas Priest especially, but also from bands such as Di’Anno-era Iron Maiden, Winterhawk, Saxon and other British acts such as Camel and Pink Floyd. Limited silver colored vinyl pressing.
Florentino – Contrabando 12” (Mixpak)
Heard in his DJ sets, his NTS radio show, and in the hands of tastemaker DJs from Bogota to Birmingham, now four of Florentino’s most sought after club bootlegs are being released to the world. Contrabando takes a series of modern dancefloor classics and blends them with Florentino’s signature mutant reggaeton. Iconic samples collide with double-time dembows, twisted vocal samples, fluttering synths, and heavyweight sub bass.
Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank [Reissue/1965] LP (Antarctica Starts)
Jackson C. Frank’s eponymous album is the embodiment of folk legend. Issued in late 1965 on the UK Columbia label, it was for many years more famous for its producer (Paul Simon) and the musicians who would go on to cover its songs (Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Sandy Denny) than for the hauntingly beautiful music contained inside. Frank’s backstory certainly adds to the legacy: born in Buffalo, NY, he used the settlement from a childhood accident to sail to London where he quickly became a fixture of the bustling folk scene. Performing a mix of blues standards and originals, he met fellow ex-pat Simon who would put up the money to record Frank’s only LP.
Bill Frisell – Nashville LP (Run Out Groove)
Limited 180gm colored vinyl LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve. In 1997, Bill Frisell released his first-ever album to be recorded in Nashville. Featuring members of Allison Krauss’ Union Station band – mandolin player Adam Steffey and banjo player Ron Block – the project also includes her brother and Lyle Lovett’s bass player Viktor Krauss, dobro great Jerry Douglas, vocalist Robin Holcomb and Pat Bergeson on harmonica. Captured at Sound Emporium between 1995-1996 with producer Wayne Horvitz, although the majority of the album is filled with Frisell-penned tunes, he does offer up covers.
Freddie Gibbs – Freddie LP+MP3 (ESGN)
Limited pink colored vinyl LP pressing. Freddie Gibbs is a critically acclaimed artist that hails from Gary, IN. After creating noise in the ‘00s online and generating a name for himself, he really broke out with his collaborative project, Pinata with beatsmith, Madlib.
Girls Against Boys – Nineties Vs. Eighties [Reissue/1990] LP (Drastic Plastic)
This 1990 debut EP was named Nineties Vs. Eighties because the six songs came from two separate sessions. The EP’s first songs were recorded in the 90’s by Girls Against Boys’ official lineup, while the last three songs were recorded in the late 80’s when Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty played in the band. Nineties Vs. Eighties is a rare glimpse into the band’s prescient beginnings. Girls Against Boys is an indie rock/post-hardcore band, formed in Washington, D.C. in 1988 and currently based in New York City.
Gnod – Chapel Perilous LP (Rocket Recordings)
Released in June on CD – now available on limited blue colored vinyl. Chapel Perilous exists whereby the supernatural converges with the everyday – whatever one’s definition of reality, this psychological realm serves to prove it endlessly subjective and changeable. Robert Anton Wilson may have laid claim to the modern use of this phrase – as in his 1977 tome Cosmic Trigger – yet there can be few musical outfits in the here and now more worthy of carrying on its tradition than Gnod. In more than a decade on the planet this singular Salford-birthed entity has married intrepid musical exploration with psychic fearlessness – not to mention a tendency to leave any tag or bracket one attempts to place on them utterly redundant.
Grand Funk Railroad – Mark, Don & Mel 1969-71 [Reissue/1972] LP (Friday Music)
180gm audiophile vinyl LP pressing. Grand Funk Railroad (Mark Farner, Don Brewer and Mel Schacher) broke out big in the late sixties with a huge rock sound that emulated the hard working sounds of the town they grew up in, forever making Flint, Michigan a familiar name to millions.
Haken – Vector 2xLP+CD (Inside Out U.S.)
Fifth album from the UK’s new kings of progressive metal.
InnerWish – Waiting For The Dawn [Reissue/1998] LP (Ulterium)
InnerWish – Silent Faces [Reissue/2004] LP (Ulterium)
InnerWish – Inner Strength [Reissue/2006] LP (Ulterium)
Vinyl reissues of the first three albums from the Greek melodic metal band.
Loscil – Submers [Reissue/2002] 2xLP (Kranky)
Scott Morgan’s second Loscil full-length, Submers, took inspiration from salvaged Time Life classical music albums and “the indelible mystery of submarines and the deep sea.” Composed using a custom-built Max/MSP sequencer-with no external samplers, synthesizers, or acoustic instruments involved – the limitations of the process shaped these masterful, minimal compositions. Each piece was produced as a live mix, direct to disk, with no separated tracks. Originally issued in November of 2002 on CD, Kranky is now making these timeless recordings available on vinyl for the first time.
Luna – Lunafied 2xLP (Run Out Groove)
This brand-new Run Out Groove collection includes all of Luna’s rare and out of print Elektra-era cover songs – many unreleased on vinyl – on one full length release. Sourced from the original masters with lacquers cut at Sam Phillips Recording Studio, this double-LP set is pressed on 180gm colored vinyl housed in a numbered gatefold tip-on Stoughton jacket.
Lung – All The Kings LP (Sofaburn)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Lung is a growling, propulsive electric cello and drum duo from Cincinnati, OH. Classically trained cellist and vocalist Kate Wakefield vacillates seamlessly between sweetly plucked notes to shrieking squalls atop a relentless pounding beat from drummer Daisy Caplan (ex-Foxy Shazam).
Tim Maia – What You Want To Bet? b/w These Are The Songs [Reissue/1968] 7” (Mr. Bongo)
Debut single from the mighty Tim Maia. Released upon his return from the USA in the late ’60s. Maia sings in English here – influenced by his time spend travelling and working in the USA. Both songs are very soulful, reminiscent of the great soul singers of 1960s, who were clearly a powerful inspiration to him.
Cesar Camargo Mariano & Cia – São Paulo • Brasil [Reissue/1977] LP (Mr. Bongo)
Cesar Camargo Mariano is a celebrated Brazilian jazz pianist, composer and producer, born in Sao Paulo in the 1940s. He has played and worked with the likes of Elis Regina (to whom he was married at one point), Som Tres and Sambalanco Trio and still plays very regularly today. São Paulo • Brasil saw Mariano and co. Step deep into jazz funk/fusion territory – and nail it. Tight, tough drum grooves, intricate arrangements, layers of synthesisers, percussion and FX transport and tell a story from the first beat.
Mac Miller – Swimming 2xLP (WB)
Released in August on CD – now available on vinyl. Introduced by the sonically laid-back and funk/R&B-heavy tracks “Self Care”, “Small Worlds” and “What’s The Use?”, Swimming is the last offering from shape-shifting rapper/singer/producer Mac Miller who died on September 7. The album includes contributions from fellow rapper/producer J. Cole, British singer/songwriter Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange) and composer/instrumentalist John Brion. Miller told Zane Lowe that the album is focused on space and “what it means to be inside of a record.” RIP.
Morrissey – Back On The Chain Gang b/w I Didn’t Know What To Do (Live) 7” (BMG Rights Management)
Morrissey presents a cover of “Back On The Chain Gang”, originally written by Chrissie Hynde and released by The Pretenders in 1982.
Nazz – Nazz [Reissue/1968] LP (Cleopatra)
Nazz – Nazz Nazz [Reissue/1969] LP (Cleopatra)
Nazz – III [Reissue/1971] LP (Cleopatra)
Limited colored vinyl reissues of the three albums from the psychedelic-tinged garage rock outfit led by Todd Rundgren.
New Kids On The Block – Merry, Merry Christmas [Reissue/1989] LP (Real Gone Music)
Green colored vinyl pressing. When Merry, Merry Christmas came out in 1989, New Kids On The Block were so huge that a spoken-word album featuring them reciting “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” probably would have gone platinum. But to the credit of the ‘Boys and their producer Maurice Starr, they didn’t turn in a mere tree ornament with Merry, Merry Christmas; instead, they put together a completely charming entry in the venerable pop music tradition of Christmas music albums (and it went double platinum).
New York Dolls – French Kiss ’74 + Actress-Birth Of The New York [Reissue/2013] 2xLP (Cleopatra)
Live set from the New York Dolls featuring the full 1974 radio broadcast from Radio Luxembourg Studios in Paris plus the ultra-rare 1971 demos recorded by the band (then known as Actress).
Oneohtrix Point Never – Love In The Time Of Lexapro 12” (Warp)
OPN’s second post-Age Of EP features all new and unreleased music including two brand new tracks – “Love In The Time Of Lexapro” and “Thank God I’m a Country Girl” – and two very different takes on Age Of album cuts. The first is a rework of “Last Known Image Of A Song” by noted OPN fan and collaborator, Ryuichi Sakamoto. The second is a cover of the standout vocal track Babylon by indie darling (Sandy) Alex G who’s subdued take on the track serves to highlight the lyricism and craftsmanship of the original.
Roy Orbison – Unchained Melodies: Roy Orbison & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 2xLP (Sony Legacy)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. The follow-up to A Love So Beautiful features Roy Orbison vocal performances with brand-new orchestral arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Additional accompaniment from Roy’s three sons and backing vocals from their wives and children.
Passengers – All Through The Night b/w New Life 7” (Les Disques Du Crépuscule)
Passengers – Queen Of The World b/w Danger Zone 7” (Les Disques Du Crépuscule)
Two newly recorded 7” colored vinyl singles by the late 1970s new wave group from Brussels who subsequently became the cult Factory/ Crépuscule band The Names.
Tom Petty – An American Treasure 6xLP (Reprise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A new career-spanning Tom Petty collection –60-track featuring dozens of previously unreleased recordings, alternate versions of classic songs, rarities, historic live performances and deep tracks that spotlight Tom’s remarkable depth and evolution as a revered and tremendously influential songwriter, recording artist and performer.
Pistol Annies – Interstate Gospel LP (RCA)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Country supertrio Pistol Annies – featuring Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley – return with their third album. Interstate Gospel showcases the Grammy-nominated group’s stunning harmonies, encompassing celebratory anthems, classic country storytelling and vibey swagger.
The Samps – Breakfast LP (Gloriette)
Cali weirdo synth outfit The Samps, featuring three-time Grammy winner Cole MGN and private press R&B digger par excellence Jason Darrah, are back with a new album, Breakfast. Album single “Let Me Down” is an epic trip from skewed synth-pop to French touch and back.
Sex Gang Children – The Singles 1982 – 1984 LP (Cleopatra)
For the first time ever collected together on vinyl, the complete Sex Gang Children singles from 1982-1984. Includes remastered versions of all A & B sides plus the two rare compilation only tracks “Oh, Funny Man” and “The Hungry Years” (performed with Marc Almond). Limited edition white vinyl.
Songs Ohia – Love & Work: The Lioness Sessions 2xLP (Secretly Canadian)
Molina’s 2000 album expanded with a second LP of never-before-heard recordings from the album sessions plus a 16-page book and ephemera. The Lioness is the first Jason Molina project to fully turn away from the battlefield folk and deconstructed Americana of earlier Songs: Ohia recordings. At the dawn of the 21st century, the album felt modern. It aligned Molina with a new set of peers – Low, Gastr del Sol, Red House Painters and, most importantly, the influential Scottish band Arab Strap, whose producer and members were crucial in the creation of The Lioness. [Limited colored vinyl pressing available.]
Will Sessions & Amp Fiddler – Reminiscin’ b/w Instrumental 10” (Session Sounds)
The final single from Will Sessions and Amp Fiddler’s LP The One featuring Dames Brown. Set to a super tight, infectious boogie groove by Will Sessions, Amp and The Dames sing a story of an unforgettable love between two people, and what it takes to reconnect the bond they once shared. The 10” single features an instrumental B-side only available in this format.
Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time [Reissue/1999] LP+MP3 (Sony Legacy)
Limited picture disc vinyl LP pressing.
Tenacious D – Post-Apocalypto 2xLP (Columbia)
Picture disc pressing. Post-Apocalypto is an original, six-part animated video series from the minds of rock duo Tenacious D, comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Each frame of every episode was hand-drawn by Jack himself, with every character voiced by Black and Gass, and can be watched via Tenacious D’s YouTube page. True to the title, Post-Apocalypto finds Tenacious D thrust into a world of complete and utter destruction following the drop of an atomic bomb. Surviving the attack in classic cinematic fashion (a good old imperishable 1950’s refrigerator), the duo quickly learns that new forms of evil have spawned from the blast. One thing becomes apparent – for humanity to prevail, Tenacious D must save the world. All six episodes feature new Tenacious D songs, culminating in this new 21-track album of the same name.
Theocracy – Mirror Of Souls [Reissue/2008] 2xLP (Ulterum)
Vinyl reissue of the second album from the U.S. progressive power metal band.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Christmas Attic [Reissue/1998] 2xLP (Atlantic)
The second installment in The Christmas Trilogy, 1998’s The Christmas Attic tells the story of a little girl who spends a night in an attic filled with yuletide reveries, while guitar solos and choral vocals soar over a rock orchestral backing across 16 tracks.
U.K. Subs – Complete Riot [Reissue/2005] 2xLP (Cleopatra)
The classic UK Subs line-up reunited on this spectacular set featuring the complete 1996 Quintessentials/Riot sessions. Limited double clear vinyl LP pressing.
Upsetters – Double Seven [Reissue/1973] LP (Antarctica Starts)
The inventive record producer and vocalist Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was involved in every musical shift of note in his native Jamaica, from the rhythm and blues that pre-dated the arrival of ska in the early 1960s through the slower and more spacious rocksteady style that appeared mid-decade and, of course, the frenetic sound of reggae, which he helped to birth as an independent producer during the late 1960s. Operating as ‘The Upsetter’ from his base in a downtown Kingston record shop, Perry found his greatest success with instrumental music during this phase, the organ and saxophone re-castings of standard vocal issues proving exceptionally popular overseas.
Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Seventh Trip LP (Riding Easy)
Ten more lethal doses of rare hard rock, heavy psych and proto-metal.
Various Artists – Songs That Saved My Life LP (Hopeless)
This compilation is aimed at spreading awareness about and raising money for suicide prevention and mental health. The set consists of covers performed by artists who were positively affected by the songs during difficult periods in their lives, including artists Neck Deep, Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, Dance Gavin Dance, Against Me and more.
Vessel – Queen of Golden Dogs LP (Tri Angle)
The world of Queen Of Golden Dogs is saturated with color; oscillating between grief, bombast and fierce joy, this is music shot through with both sincerity and irreverence. Whilst traces of his sonic signature remain, there is much changed since Vessel’s second album, Punish, Honey. An infatuation with chamber music brought about in collaboration with his violinist lover, and a voice given by singer Olivia Chaney leave strong impressions, providing landmarks in a world that is essentially about the joys of difference. Limited orange colored vinyl LP pressing.
Ween – Live In Toronto Canada [Reissue/2001] LP (Schnitzel)
Limited 180gm green vinyl LP pressing. Live In Toronto Canada, released in 2001, is the second live album by Ween, released on their own Chocodog label. It was recorded during the now legendary tour with Bobby Ogdin and the Shit Creek Boys on October 23, 1996, at the Phoenix Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. The setlist is divided evenly between 12 Golden Country Greats tunes and fan favorites.
Zeke – All The Way 7” (Pig)
Five blistering tracks produced by the legendary Jack Endino. Random mixed colored vinyl.
Cassettes:
Smoota – Pheromones (Personal Affair)
Smoota draws inspiration from his deep collection of soul, funk, disco and R&B records. Filled with sounds from rare ‘70s and ‘80s synths and drum machines, his sensual and funky grooves are a fresh take on the slow jams and dance classics of sex crooners like Marvin Gaye, Serge Gainsbourg, Willie Hutch and Smokey Robinson. [Vinyl edition due December 7.]
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